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Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 8:45 pm
by Ecam
Worked on some limiting straps for the rear axles. Without them they are a floppy mess. Not exact detail of the real M26, but design and function are close. Still in prototyping phase and the details and straps (chains) may change...

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I'm sure my rear suspension is more flexible than the real one (and the front probably too stiff).

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Here is the comparison to the 31 foot DUKW just to give an idea of size of these beasts.

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Working on space first for fitting of operating systems. The armored cab had its pioneer tools exposed on the bottom of the cab in front of the steer wheels, the soft (or unarmored) cab's tools were in same location but under a cover. Not exactly sure what I will do here but leaving room for the tool box. This is as close to scale as I can build so the next step is to see where components might go. Haven't made my styrene run yet so I have been using my saved leftovers. I've stripped paint from some and have un-curved others (to explain some of the rather gunky parts used so far). I've also changed, rebuilt and spliced in so many parts that I think I'm going to call this one "Patches".

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Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 9:20 pm
by Panzermechaniker
Amazing build

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 9:26 pm
by Ecam
Panzermechaniker wrote: Wed Jan 22, 2025 9:20 pm Amazing build
For something that is using only borrowed parts and stuff that was on hand so far. The T-case is the only money spent so far but there is a significant amount of "carts" filling up on a few websites as I get closer to end of the prototyping phase.

Thanks for watching P.M.

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 1:36 am
by Herr Dr. Professor
It is a remarkable build, Eric. I watch with admiration. Then, too, I do understand about all those online loaded carts. :O

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2025 5:44 am
by Ecam
Steering servo and a 4 battery pack are in. I do have a pair of two cell holders and a charger that will charge the individual cells on order but am doubtful the holders will fit in the space allotted. The shorter space behind the batteries and servo has room for the RX and ESC (receiver and speed control). So far the compartments below the cab floor are empty. The steering servo will stay with the cab and the pitman arm will be attached to the chassis the two parts will be connected with a dog clutch (not sure if other countries have a different term).

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Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 3:14 am
by Ecam
From picture,

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to my attempt at a passable cockpit.

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I spent about half the time trying to replicate the steering wheel, bent spokes and all. Still have more to go, but this was enough for what time I had today. I did a radiator swap on a friend's car - first time ever dropping a radiator out the bottom of an engine bay (thankful for the car hoist/lift).

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 7:03 am
by HERMAN BIX
C'mon !! 8O
Apart from the manual brake levers under the steering wheel the thing is a perfect match.
Dont blame ya for taking a moment to gather yourself ;)
Hell of a job

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 2:45 pm
by MrChef
Ecam wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 3:14 am From picture,

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to my attempt at a passable cockpit.

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I spent about half the time trying to replicate the steering wheel, bent spokes and all.
That's some impressively half the time well spent there.

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 5:08 pm
by Ecam
HERMAN BIX wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 7:03 am Apart from the manual brake levers under the steering wheel the thing is a perfect match.
Better?

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MrChef wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 2:45 pm That's some impressively half the time well spent there.
It was the hardest steering wheel yet (I've only done two) . I kinda just enjoy the old way of fabbing things. 3D is so impressive (and although I have machine) I am finding the old way suits me better. And the learning curve is steep (just don't have enough spare brain cells).

Thanks Gents!

Re: [Support] M25 Dragon Wagon

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2025 9:02 pm
by tankme
I think it looks the part. I was lucky enough to drive a real Dragon Wagon around the parking lot of the museum. You wouldn't believe just how big that steering wheel is when you are sitting in front of it. I think it was so big because there wasn't any power steering and you needed to get all the leverage possible to turn it.